Capital Grill Happy Hour: Best Small Plates and Cocktails
If you’re someone who enjoys premium food and drinks without spending a fortune, you should explore the Capital Grill Happy Hour. While other popular deals like the Yard House Happy Hour Menu offer casual bites and drinks, The Capital Grille brings a touch of luxury to the traditional happy hour scene.
Capital Grille is famous for its elegant ambiance, dry-aged steaks, and fine wines. But what many diners don’t realize is that this upscale steakhouse also offers an impressive happy hour—where quality meets affordability. From handcrafted cocktails to gourmet appetizers, the happy hour selections at Capital Grille are perfect for both after-work relaxation and weekend indulgence.
What is Capital Grill Happy Hour?
Happy Hour Capital Grill is a limited-time daily event, typically held Monday through Friday, offering guests special pricing on drinks and appetizers. It’s a perfect way to enjoy fine dining in a more casual and affordable setting. While the happy hour menu varies by location, most branches offer it between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
During this time, you can sample a variety of luxurious items at a fraction of their usual cost. Signature drinks, such as the Stoli Doli martini or classic Manhattans, are commonly featured. You’ll also find chef-curated small plates, including sliders, mini steaks, and truffle fries.
Typical Menu Items at Capital Grill Happy Hour
The menu isn’t as extensive as the main one, but what it offers is premium and worth every penny. Here’s a sample overview of what a typical Happy Hour Capital Grill might include:
Mini Tenderloin Sliders
Juicy filet mignon is tucked between buttery buns and served with a savory mushroom spread.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish Description | Filet mignon sliders with mushroom spread on buttery buns |
| Taste Profile | Rich, savory, and filling; perfect for steak lovers |
| Price (Approx.) | $12 – $14 |
Lobster and Crab Cakes
Made with real lobster and sweet lump crab meat, these cakes are golden-crisp outside and soft inside.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish Description | Golden-brown cakes made with real lobster and crab meat |
| Taste Profile | Soft, fresh, and paired with house-made remoulade |
| Price (Approx.) | $14 – $16 |
Truffle Parmesan Fries
Hand-cut fries tossed in aromatic truffle oil and sprinkled with fresh Parmesan.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish Description | Hand-cut fries tossed in truffle oil and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese |
| Taste Profile | Crispy, cheesy, aromatic, and shareable |
| Price (Approx.) | $8 – $10 |
Prosciutto-Wrapped Mozzarella
Creamy mozzarella is wrapped in thin, salty prosciutto and served warm.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish Description | Warm mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto and lightly grilled |
| Taste Profile | Creamy, salty, and perfect with wine |
| Price (Approx.) | $10 – $12 |
Miniature Lobster Rolls
Fresh lobster salad sits inside toasted buttery buns. It’s a bite of New England coastal flavor, done upscale.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish Description | Lobster salad inside toasted, buttery rolls |
| Taste Profile | Fresh, buttery, and coastal in flavor |
| Price (Approx.) | $13 – $15 |
Pan-Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers
Crispy calamari is topped with spicy cherry peppers for a bold kick. A favorite starter that’s both crunchy and flavorful.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish Description | Crispy calamari with spicy cherry peppers |
| Taste Profile | Crunchy with a tangy, peppery bite |
| Price (Approx.) | $13 – $14 |
Seared Dry-Aged Sirloin Slices
Perfectly seared sirloin is thinly sliced and served medium-rare. Each bite is tender and full of dry-aged beef flavor.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish Description | Thin slices of dry-aged sirloin, perfectly seared |
| Taste Profile | Bold, beefy flavor with a tender bite |
| Price (Approx.) | $15 – $17 |
Cheeseburger Sliders with Truffle Fries
Classic beef sliders topped with cheese and served alongside truffle fries. A high-end take on an American comfort combo.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish Description | Beef sliders with cheese, served with truffle fries |
| Taste Profile | Classic American comfort food, done upscale |
| Price (Approx.) | $12 – $14 |
Shrimp Cocktail
Chilled jumbo shrimp served with zesty cocktail sauce. Simple, fresh, and always satisfying.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish Description | Jumbo shrimp served chilled with cocktail sauce |
| Taste Profile | Fresh, tangy, and light |
| Price (Approx.) | $11 – $13 |
Oysters on the Half Shell
Fresh, briny oysters served chilled with lemon and mignonette. Ideal for seafood lovers craving something light and elegant.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish Description | Fresh oysters served cold with lemon and mignonette |
| Taste Profile | Briny, clean, and elegant |
| Price (Approx.) | $14 – $16 |
These prices are estimates and may vary by location. Always check with your local restaurant for the exact offerings.
Variations by Location
One thing to note is that not all Capital Grille locations offer a happy hour. This largely depends on the state laws and local customer preferences. For example, some locations in Happy Hour Baton Rouge may have different times or menu options compared to those in New York or Orlando.
Here’s a quick comparison of a few cities:
| City | Happy Hour Time | Available? |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Yes |
| Washington, DC | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Yes |
| Los Angeles, CA | Not available | No |
| Miami, FL | 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Yes |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Yes (select days) |
It’s always best to call ahead or check the official Capital Grille website for updated info.
Tips for Enjoying Happy Hour Capital Grill
To get the most out of your Capital Grill experience, follow these tips:
- Arrive early: Bar seating is usually first-come, first-served.
- Dress smart: While the environment is more relaxed during happy hour, Capital Grille still maintains a business-casual dress code.
- Ask for the happy hour menu: Sometimes it’s not provided automatically. Don’t hesitate to request it.
- Try the cocktails: The bartenders here are top-tier and can make a simple drink feel special.
Happy hour is also a great time to try something new without the full-price commitment. If you’re curious about a certain wine or appetizer, this is the time to sample it.
Why the Capital Grill Happy Hour Stands Out
Unlike many bars or chain restaurants, the Capital Grill Happy Hour offers a uniquely refined and upscale experience. You’re not just getting bar food—you’re experiencing the quality of a fine-dining kitchen in a more casual format.
The chefs who prepare these meals are the same ones crafting the $60 steaks for dinner service. That means your happy hour bites are prepared with the same attention to detail and premium ingredients. Additionally, the bar areas in Capital Grille restaurants are designed to be comfortable yet sophisticated, making them ideal for business meetings, romantic dates, or catching up with friends.
Opening Closing
Here’s a list of opening hours (for dine-in/takeout) and delivery hours for The Capital Grille, based on verified sources. Since hours vary by location, below are representative examples:
| Location | Opening (Dine‑In/Takeout) | Delivery Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando, FL (I‑Drive) | M–Th 5 PM–9 PM • F 5 PM–10 PM • Sa 4 PM–10 PM • Su 4 PM–9 PM | Call for takeout; delivery not by restaurant directly |
| Stamford, CT | M–Th 11:30 AM–9 PM • F 11:30 AM–10 PM • Sa 4 PM–10 PM • Su 4 PM–9 PM | Call for takeout only; delivery via external platforms if available |
| Fort Myers, FL | M–F 11:30 AM–9 PM • Sa 5 PM–10 PM • Su 5 PM–9 PM | Takeout via phone; delivery by third parties |
Owners of Capital Grill
Here are the names of the key owners and executives associated with The Capital Grille, the parent company under which Capital Grille happy hour is offered:
- William “Bill” Darden – founder of the restaurant company that eventually became Darden Restaurants
- Ned Grace – founder of the original Capital Grille in 1990
- Cynthia T. Jamison – Chairman of Darden Restaurants, Inc.
- Rick Cardenas – President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Darden Restaurants, Inc.
These individuals represent the founding legacy and current leadership of the company that operates The Capital Grille, including its happy hour offerings.
Customer Reviews
Here are some small customer reviews about The Capital Grille experience:
- “Amazing experience! Brittney was an excellent server. Really great evening. Awesome food.”
- “The food, atmosphere and the Customer service was Excellent. I can’t wait to go back! Forget 5 star you guys deserve 10 stars.”
- “Very good. The steak was top notch and the overall experience was awesome. Little expensive but that’s what you pay for this kind of environment.”
- “I love this place!!! The food, atmosphere and the Customer service was Excellent. I can’t wait to go back! Thanks for making me feel so special.”
Final Thoughts
The Capital Grill Happy Hour is a rare opportunity to enjoy high-end dining at approachable prices. From flavorful sliders to expertly mixed cocktails, every item reflects the restaurant’s commitment to quality. Whether you’re winding down after work or starting your night in style, Capital Grille offers a setting and menu that make happy hour feel like a special event.
Compared to other options like the Yard House Happy Hour Menu, Capital Grille’s offering stands out for its elegance, flavor, and ambiance. Just remember, the happy hour experience may vary by location, so it’s worth confirming the details before you go.
